A student set to graduate from the first sports journalism course at UCLan has already been offered her first job.

Emma Pickles will work as a Communications Officer for UK Athletics, the national governing body for athletics, starting just a month after finishing her course. She is one of the first set of students to graduate from the BA (Hons) Sports Journalism course after it was established three years ago.

Emma said: ìI saw the job advertised and applied as a long shot not even expecting an interview. I was later told that it was because I had a degree in Sports Journalism and they had never come across that before that they wanted to see me.î

Whilst Emma wasnít offered the original position she applied for, UK Athletics instead created a similar graduate position so she can build up her experience over the next few years. Her main job will be attending events both at home and abroad to provide media support, working on the UK Athletics award winning magazine, Inspire, as well as dealing with internal communications and working on the website.

The Internal Communications Manager for UK Athletics, Graham Doughty, said he was impressed with Emmaís enthusiasm.

New and fresh

ìEmma will bring something new and fresh to UKA and although she did not exactly match the criteria for the position, we reviewed the role in order to allow Emma, as a graduate, to join us and develop within the position. Having a degree in Sports Journalism is definitely an advantage as it gives her a specific focus for the role and a clear passion for both sport and communication.î

Emma has already gained experience working for Wakefield Trinity Wildcats Rugby League Club on placement. Whilst there she worked on the clubís website, interviewed players, and wrote press releases and match reports.

She said: ìI produced a media pack for the club which Eddie Hemmings, Sky Sportsí commentator on rugby league, saw when he came to UCLan and said he was impressed with.î

Emmaís first challenge when she starts her job in June will be to work on the World Championships which she hopes will help her prepare for the big one ñ the Olympics.

ìTo be a part of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing would be amazing and then follow that up with 2012 in London. Iíve always enjoyed watching athletics and I am eager to learn as much as possible.î

Graham Doughty added: ìThe role created for Emma gives her the opportunity to develop both her knowledge of athletics and communications and to work alongside and with the coaches and athletes aiming to continue to improve performance at this year’s World Championships, the Beijing Olympics in 2008 and beyond.î

Emmaís tutor, Charlie Lambert, said: ìEmma has been an exceptional student and her success in landing this post is well merited. She has always shown commitment and imagination in her work and I’m confident those qualities will enable her to succeed in her new career.î

More info
BA (Hons) Sports Journalism
UK Athletics

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